In the first joint project for UAB’s Cultural Corridor, the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, the Department of Art and Art History, and the new Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts together have commissioned Brooklyn-based artist Amanda Browder to create “Magic Chromacity.” The vast works Browder is creating with community members will use recycled and donated materials to create large-scale art pieces adorning both the AEIVA and ASC buildings, which face each other on 10th Avenue South on the UAB campus. The large-scale art pieces will allow the buildings to “speak” to each other while also serving as individual works.

Large pieces of red, orange and blue nonstretch fabric are at the top of the wish list. Fabric and thread donations from the community may be dropped off at ArtPlay, AEIVA, Alabama Art Supply, The Bottletree and Forstall Art Center. Fabric will be accepted through July 6.

Browder worked with UAB students, faculty and community members in April to begin the project. She will return for more community sewing days July 9-12. Follow the progress on social media using #magic_chromacity.

On May 9, Browder will Skype in as a “virtual visiting artist” and remotely sew alongside volunteers from the local Bib & Tucker Sew-Op from 1-5 p.m. at the AEIVA. The sewing day is open to the public, and members of the community are encouraged to participate.

On June 30, Browder will again Skype in as a virtual visiting artist, this time to Assistant Professor of Art Doug Baulos’ summer Book Arts class. Students will investigate fiber printing for book arts and will make large samples for Browder to use in her project.

Once completed, the huge fabric works will be installed and presented to celebrate the new cultural corridor at UAB on Aug. 26-28. Browder will give a lecture at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, and an opening reception will be held Aug. 29. Both events will be held at AEIVA and are free and open to the public. The lecture is sponsored by the Department of Art and Art History, John S. Jemison Fund, and the Alys Stephens Center. The work will be on exhibition and available for viewing during daylight hours Friday, Aug. 29, to Friday, Sept. 5.